Retevis RHD-771 Dual Band Antenna
Price: Free - a replacement normally £8.99
Manufacturer: Retevis
Model: RHD-771
Gain: 2.15dBi
Fitting: SMAP
Max Power: 20W
Length:
Vendor: seller via Amazon
Description: 144/430 MHz Hand Held Antenna.
First Impressions
This antenna arrived yesterday to wonder and surprise. I had been expecting a cheapo replacement antenna from the amazon seller but I got this. It looks fantastic!
The design of this antenna is loosely based on the Nagoya NA-771, a much celebrated item.
This Retevis improves on the Nagoya in a few ways making it feel more robust and steady.
The main whip part of the antenna is thicker and heavier than most. If it's still swaying when you put your radio down it will pull the radio over.
The base of the antenna is strong and well made. The screw fitting is smooth and trouble free.
Overall it feels substantial. You certainly seem to get what you paid for with this.
This Retevis 771 has a good solid base and screw fitting.
It sits nice on the Baofeng but is heavy and lollops about
Comparison To The Nagoya NA-771
Different lengths and different antenna bases
Left to right we have the Sainsonic INF-661, Nagoya NA-771, Retevis RHD-771 and Retevis R-773
This antenna sits right behind the Telescopic 773 in terms of overall length. Slightly longer than the Nagoya 771.
Left to right: Inf-661, NA-771, RHD-771, RHD-773
After some not-so-scentific testing it would appear that this antenna is only marginally better than the 771 and 773. Being equal to the Sainsonic in terms of TX/Rx capabilities.
It's very durable and does the job.
Update: further recent testing has highlighted a greater performance when transmitting compared to my next longest antenna - The NA-771 .
Definitely a better choice for those wanting a good value after market antenna.
Rating: ✅✅✅✅✅5 out of 5
If price, performance and size are important you then this could be just the ticket. It's imperative you buy at least one after market antenna with your new radio. (The stock antennas are crap) so instead of filling a drawer with hit and hope twigs off the net, just buy one of these and be done with it!
Great quality and great value